Local RNLI Crew learn lifesaving skills

Monday 01 October 2018

The RNLI mobile training unit visited the St Peter Port station to deliver First Aid Training to the local crew.

Our crew are prepared to drop everything and risk their lives to save others at a moment's notice. Their lifesaving work is essential, often difficult and sometimes dangerous. And with only 1 in 10 volunteers joining the RNLI from a professional maritime occupation, training is especially important.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Capt Peter Gill said “The RNLI has some of the best casualty care ﬁrst-aid training in the world. The means the crew are able to support casualties to an extremely high standard until back on land when the casualty can be safely handed over. And all of this in an environment which can be very challenging and where conventional land-based ﬁrst aid training is sometimes difﬁcult. Acquiring skills is important but maintaining them is just as important. Regular practice, and refresher courses are needed to ensure their skills are spot-on when needed for real.”

The local lifeboat crew train together regularly, at sea and ashore.

RNLI training exercises focus on teamwork, technical competence and safe operating procedures covering everything from boat-handling, search and rescue, and navigation, to radar training, radio communications and casualty care. Crews also practise rescue scenarios involving other emergency services such as the Coastguard and fire and rescue services.